James "Jim" Duane Ellefson

James "Jim" Ellefson, 77, of Waukon, IA, died Tuesday, November 20, 2012, at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon. Funeral services will be held Friday, November 23rd at 11:00 am at Martin Funeral Home in Waukon with Pastor Ken Kimball officiating. Burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lansing, IA. Friends may call from 10:00 am unitl the time of service on Friday at the funeral home.

James Duane Ellefson was born on April 2, 1935, to Odin and Gessina (Toso) Ellefson in Iowa City, IA. He grew up in rural Waukon and attended Lansing schools. He farmed with his sister Oretta and her husband Melvin on their farm in Makee Township, where they raised cows, pigs, and crops; Jim also helped Oretta with cooking and other household chores. Jim enjoyed spending time with his family, friends, and dogs. He also enjoyed visiting with his neighbors, whether it involved helping them mend fences or just playing cards, especially euchre and conasta. He liked watching the Game Show Network and westerns on television, and reading books by Louis L'amour.


Jim is survived by his sister Oretta Hill of Waukon; sister-in-law Marilyn Ellefson of Waukon; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters: Junice Bolsinger and Beverly Ellefson; two brothers: Arden and Orlean Ellefson; and brother-in-law Melvin Hill.

Honorary caskestbearers are Jim's nieces and nephews. Casketbearers are Wayne and Wes Hill, Glen Palmer, Tom and Danny Pfiffner, Jim Ronan, and Dennis Troendle.